Chapter 4644: Too Much “Didn’t you just declare that you wished he had died out there back then? What? Now you suddenly claim him as your son?” Feng Jiu’s voice dripped with sarcasm as she glanced at the Black Tortoise Mistress, completely unmoved by her ashen face. She continued relentlessly, “As for why I am taking him away, have you never heard the saying, ‘The kindness of a parent is greater than the kindness of a friend’? Aside from the fact that I raised him, I rescued him from the very jaws of death and gave him a new lease on life. For that reason alone, I possess every right to take him!” She then fixed the Black Tortoise Monarch with a cold stare. “If you, his biological parents, truly loved him unconditionally, I would naturally be overjoyed for him to have another set of parents who cherish him. But since you are demonstrably incapable of such genuine affection, then do not use your biological connection to restrict him and inflict further suffering upon him!” Her protective instincts, especially where her children were concerned, were fierce. Had the Black Tortoise Monarch and his wife truly loved Hao’er, even if it caused her pain to part with the son she had raised with her own hands, she would have willingly sent him back to his biological parents for a harmonious and loving life. However, she would never, under any circumstances, allow the child she held so dear to endure humiliation and injustice at the hands of his own flesh and blood. The Black Tortoise Monarch and his wife, hearing the unwavering conviction in her words, both paled and remained speechless, unable to find any rebuttal for a long moment. Deep down, they knew Feng Jiu’s assessment was accurate. While they might have provided for Hao’er’s material needs, their love had been flawed. Initially, they had been eager to shower him with affection, wanting to compensate for his lost years. However, Hao’er’s reserved nature had made it difficult to forge a deep connection. Later, with the arrival of their younger son, their focus and affection had shifted, creating an ever-widening chasm between them and Hao’er. Feng Jiu’s sharp and direct words had pierced through their carefully constructed facade, exposing their own embarrassment and guilt, for they knew the truth of her accusations. “Hao’er, come with Mother!” Feng Jiu said, not even glancing back at the stunned couple. Without a word, Hao’er quietly rose, followed Feng Jiu, and walked out of the courtyard. “Hao’er…” the Black Tortoise Monarch called out, his eyes filled with remorse. Hao’er paused for a fleeting moment, but without turning his head, silently continued to follow Feng Jiu, never once looking back at them. Muchen and Muyue, the two small figures, stayed close behind, each holding one of their big brother’s hands. They hadn’t fully grasped the extent of their big brother’s mistreatment by his biological parents before. Now that they understood, a surge of anger welled up within them, coupled with a silent vow to be even kinder and more supportive of their big brother in the future. Watching them leave, the Black Tortoise Mistress’ face remained ashen. She sat motionless at the table, lost in her thoughts, the weight of regret or guilt heavy upon her. The Black Tortoise Monarch sighed softly, glanced at his wife, and said, “Look at what you have done. Are you satisfied now?” He shook his head, his appetite gone, and walked out of the courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back. The little boy still nestled in Black Tortoise Mistress’ arms was too young to fully comprehend the unfolding drama. He only understood that his brother had left again and might not return. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮 A small, worried voice escaped his lips. “Mother, will my brother come back?”